Icon: Clarissa Darling + Mini Haul

'Allo!

So, the last time my other half was home we went for a sneaky Starbucks and the first thing he said to me was "You well look like Clarissa today"

I couldn't think of a better compliment!

Clarissa (1991-1994), was one of my fave programmes as a kid, I thought she was the height of cool!

The few bits and bobs of clothing I've bought this month have definitely been 90's inspired.

I thought I'd put together a lil' collage.

First up is a bit of a style board I put together from Google (soz Google) of images of Clarissa!

Everything in this is awesome!

The denim cut offs and neon slouchy tees, the denim waistcoat, high waisted, cold shoulder, crazy-ass prints! Hello, I love it.

 Cut off Denim Jacket - TKMaxx £11.69

My best bargain of the month was definitely this cropped, cut off sleeve black denim jacket.

Was so cheap with my staff discount at TKMaxx.

Not as amazing as Clarissa's dark pink number above but hey ho. 

 Its frayed, its rough, its perfect and feels good quality too.

Smiley Face Tee - Republic £12

Next up, the more out there thing I own as its tacky as hell but I was drawn to it.

This was £12 with 20% off in store that day at Republic.

I bought it a few sizes bigger to wear as a dress with leggings.

Not with tights as shown! That was a bad idea...

 Its rolled up sleeves and grunge vibes make me happy.

Denim Stud Dress - TKMaxx £10

And last is this denim dress with stud detail on the neck and straps.

Again with staff discount, a tenner.

This is girly and grungy and surprisingly light and comfy for denim.

Be perfect for easy dressing in summer.

Throw on some stompy boots or spiked sandals depending on the weather.

Is everyone loving that the 90's are back?

Who'd have thought this would all be back so soon!

Love Nina x.

Sky Nails:

Hi!

Just a quick one today to share how pretty my nails are!

(If I do say so myself)

 I used a blue Barry M background then used two different whites for the clouds.

I first used a white that takes a few coats and then went over in a thick white nail art pen.

I like the effect of the two whites as it looks a bit 3D.

I then used a black nail art pen to create random V birdie shapes.

A matte topcoat worked well with this as it emphasised the 3D clouds.

What do you think of this pretty design?

Would you give it a go?

Love Nina.

DIY: Flower Stud Bracelet

Hello!

 I do love a good DIY post so thought I'd share this particular piece with you all.

I make these knitted multi-wear jewellery pieces and this one is particularly on trend with all the pastel and studs that are knocking about.

And with festival season coming up this is right up that street.

This is a lilac and gold stud version and I just love the look of the colours together.

These items can be worn as a bracelet, necklace and also a headband.

The latter looking awesome if I do say so myself!

 I think this would be perfect for spring/ summer.

I have other bits like this in different colours and adornments, so if anyone would like to see those then just leave a comment =]

What will be your summer staples?

Love, Nina

xx

Deer Hunter.

Hello there!

Hope everyone had a fab festive season!

Mine was quite hindered by the fact of doing a week of night shifts right up till Christmas.

But I feel abit refreshed by the new year now so thought I'd dive back into posting.

I have a few posts lined up for a little while so watch out!

This is the outfit I wore the other day.

I know it's abit much to plan outfits so far in advance but I decided on my next day off I'd wear this! 

I wear all black for work so was excited to wear something different.

   

Shirt: h&m

Skirt: Internacionale (old)

Bag: M&S

Shoes: TKMaxx

Necklace & Belt: Primark

I love the combination of the different fabrics. 

The skirt is cord and the shirt really light.

My favourite part is definately this necklace.

I got this a long while ago and never wore it too much.

It's a bit of an awkward length to wear with much but it looks perfect under the collar of this shirt.

The shirt is rather new. 

It's really light so will be a good staple for spring, which I really cannot wait for!

I adore these shoes! 

I cannot believe they aren't docs!

When I was these in work my heart skipped a beat as we do tend to get a few docs in. 

They aren't the real deal but look how amazing they are!

I also had a giftcard as a prize so they were free!

I cant wait to rock these bad boys with some girly dresses when the weather gets abit better. 

What do you think of this outfit?

Anyone else a fan of this style of shoe?

Love

Nina

X

Snowflake Nails:

Hello!

So I've had some issues with my laptop recently and it had to be sent away for repairs =[ But now it's back and all better! Yay!

The past month or so has been pretty standard for this time of year. Work has been hectic. I don't know why but people are mean at Christmas! I've never been complained at so much from customers but I guess it's just stress.

I feel like I've really embraced Christmas this year. I've been in a position where I've been able to get people decent present and I cant wait to give them away! All my shopping is pretty much done and I'm going to wrap it all tonight.

 Even my nails are all Christmassy!

I used a makeup sponge for the frosted look and a white nail art pen for the snowflake.

Anyone else sporting snazzy nails this winter?

I plan on posting a lot more this month to try and catch up. My little corner of the Internet has been quite neglected these past couple weeks!

Love Nina xx

Halloween Happenings!

Hi there!

 Sorry for the absence yet again.

I work a lot of 7-4  shifts, 5 am get-ups make it hard to do anything in my evenings!

Anyways, my mates birthday is close to Halloween so we had a fancy dress night in town!

I decided to go as a skeleton and make my own outfit.

My makeup was the focal point of my costume as it looked badass!

I just used black gel eyeliner and black shadow to create this. 

the smudge detail is what makes it look real!

I looked at images of skulls but primarily used Lady Gaga/ Born This Way as a guide and just winged it.

My costume is a black corset with bone shaped felt sewed on.

For my skirt I cut lengths of black and white fabrics in different textures and tied them to a ribbon waistband.

I loved my look and got a few compliments.

I mostly got weird looks and pointing though!

 Oh!

I also threw in some skeleton nails for good measure.

And made some paper decorations for our front window!

Anyone else adore Halloween?

Love Nina.

My New Best Friends!

Helloo!

I just HAD to share my newest purchase!

I saw these boots last week in work and was all "ooh, I hope they're still there come pay day!"

Luckily enough they were.

And the last one in my size.

Fate =]

TKmaxx - £34:99

They are these Aztec style cowboy boots with a slight heel, easy enough to wear for the day.

The pattern has the texture of velvety carpet and they are just oh so perfect!

I really do love orange colours as you can probably tell!

 

 My boots match my hair!

OK, so enough gushing.

Has everyone got their winter boots yet?!

Love Nina.

Spectacular, spectacular!

Helloo!

So, bit of a weird post today.

It's all about spectacles!

Me and my sister were talking about this recently so thought I'd post about it! 

For people who don't wear glasses, they can be an accessory, for fashions sake, a novelty to change how you look.

For people like me who are blind as a bat without them, they are the bane of your existence!

Let me list the pros and cons for you!

Pros: "Oh look, I can see over there!"

...That's about it.

I can see!

Cons: "They'll cost me how much for something I can't live without?!"

Specs are costly.

My last pair cost me well over £100 and that was in a sale and using a voucher cos I was a student!

My mum has paid over £300 in the past.

Crazy lady!

And you don't just pay for the glasses.

There are a whole hoard of coatings that you have to have.

Anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-glare.

My brother in law made the good point of asking what order the coatings go in, what if the anti-scratch itself causes glare?! 

I'd like this answered very much!

The opticians I've been to since I was a kid charges £40 per coating. 

Are you freaking insane?!

Oh and if you don't want milk bottle bottom lenses you pay more to get them thinned.

Damn my strong prescription.

"I'll just put you in this cupboard or under this towel while I spray this hairspray!"

Seriously, every time I spray something, I have to hide my glasses.

I trashed my last pair with hairspray, it makes the coatings disintegrate. 

This also happened to my mum but by working in a hot kitchen!

Id like an anti-hairspray coating please =S

"Alreet four eyes?!"

I'm soon to be in my 24th year and I still get teased for wearing glasses!

On a more serious note, me and my fiancé nearly got beaten up for wearing them! 

The hooligans must have been bored that day!

Other such cons include:

Rain: Like looking through a kaleidoscope.

Steaming up: I've walked in from the cold and now I live in Silent Hill! Hey, I think there's a coating for this now!

Smudgies: Oh you're full of fingerprints, I'll clean you on this tshirt and make you more smudged!

Dizziness: Well these are new, let me make you feel sickly for the next three days!

I'm writing this post because I just had to buy a new pair.

My last pair broke just before my nephews christening.

Talk about good timing!

I got these new ones from Asda.

They had a two for £99 offer which included all your coatings and thinner lenses. 

A steal!

I bought these turtle shell, librarian chique style glasses. 

I love them!

I look like such a nerd.

I also got some sunglasses similar but bigger.

Despite all the complaints I have though, I would never give them up.

They are a part of who I am and I just look odd without them!

With celebrities such as Gok Wan bringing out loverly specs its hard not to love all the quirky options.

Its just best to find offers so you can get several pairs.

Glasses are here to stay on this lass!

Anyone else love their specs?

Love Nina.

Embellish Me

Hey!

I've been having a bit of a hard time of it at work lately and when I'm not happy, I shop!

I've been loving all the accessories that have been coming into shops lately.

I think this autumn and winter will all be about jewellery and snugly jumpers for me. 

Over the past few days I've been picking bits up so thought I'd share.

Topshop: Khaki Ankle Socks, £3:50

Spike Earring, £1:50

George: Emerald Earrings, £1:50

Primark: Triangle Necklace, £4:00

Internacional: Aztec Pendant, £3:99

Gold Skull Bracelet, £2:99

Gunmetal Cross Bracelet,£1:99

Spike Cuff Earring, £1:99

H&M: Tartan Scarf, £7:99

The scarf I got from H&M is just so loverly. 

Soft and fleecy and perfect for my 5:30am gettups!

These are the various earrings and I think I got some bargains!

Internacional are doing a buy one get one half price deal at the moment to I've picked up quite a few pieces.

I'm loving all the ear cuffs but they don't half hurt! 

I'm chuffed with my green earrings from Asda, the colour is just so loverly.

These are the two bracelets.

I love the gunmetal cross one cos its shaped to fit around your wrist.

Simple pleasures!

The skull one I've wanted for yonks but didn't get around to getting it!

I adore these necklaces!

The orange and the gold of the Aztec style one goes with absolutely everything! 

Its so interesting for quite a cheap piece.

The bunting style necklace is so beautiful. 

I found it difficult to take a decent photo of all the colours in this.

Its so stunning.

And last but not least are my new beauts!

I looked at all the heeled Chelsea boots on the interwebs and then came across these in a local shop for 25 quid! 

Bargain!

They need breaking in a tad cos they hurt my ankles.

Nothing a blister plaster wont fix though!

I also got these khaki and lace trim socks to pair with the boots.  

I own far too much khaki right now!

Anyone else found some gems recently?

Love, Nina.

xxx

DIY: Stud Shoulder Jumper

Hello Lovelies!

I have been on the hunt for a khaki jumper for quite a while!

I saw one in Topshop yonks ago but didn't want to pay so much for something I would customise.

 I went shopping in St Helens with my sister and found this jumper for 7 quid!

Yes you read right!

As I was paying for it the owner said this jumper was in New Look. 

I thought she meant a similar one so I went mooching and no, it was the exact same one. 

For £14:99! 

Id bought it half price.

Win.

I love this jumper, it has a loose knit but has these contrasting tightly knit sections.

I just think its a bit more unusual. 

Ok, lets get to DIYing!

 These are my trusty screw back studs I bought off eBay. 

They were 50 for about 3 quid.

Whats good about adding studs to a knit is that you don't have to damage the original product.

I just put the studs through the knit stitches instead of chopping holes like you would on fabric.

I placed the screw backs in first to decide on position and spacing.

Once I was happy, I just screwed on the spikes until tight.

Easey Peasey!

 

 To be honest though, Dexter did most of the work, I just supervised!

Anyone else given this a go?

Love Nina.

Autumnal Appetiser

Heyy!

 Top and Skirt: Local shops
Necklace: From when I was a goth!
Shoes: International

So, the other day was none too warm and I couldn't have been happier!

I know, sad but I really do love autumn, snugly jumpers and boots is just the best.

This is one of those outfits that you plan in your head and think will look amazing so I'm happy with how it turned out!

Normally I do this and end up looking rubbish.

Some of these items I will talk about at a later date 'cos I'm really happy with the bargains I found. 

Thanks to the loverly boy who played photographer, although he did take some hideously unflattering photos at first! 

I will not include those!

Oh! 

Ignore my awkward pose and face!

Love Nina.

D.I.Y Studded Backpack

I love my trusty cream backpack from Primark! 

It cost £8 and I've used it most days since I bought it. 

I mostly take it to work if I'm staying at my boyfriends afterwards so its always crammed full of stuff. 

 This is probably why it started to rip recently =[ 

I had to find a way to fix it but I didn't just want to fix it, I wanted to jazz it up!

I decided to use some gold spikes I got off ebay a while ago. 

I also used a Cropadile (I think that's what its called) 

This can punch holes in anything and can be used to put eyelets in. 

I got it while at uni for making corsets.

I started my pinning the tear into place. 

I basically just tucked under the rough edge of the fabric so it looked neater.

I marked in pencil where I wanted all my studs and then chopped all the holes out. 

 The spikes then just screwed into place.

I loved this bag to begin with but now I just adore it! 

I have to be careful though cos the spikes are sharp and pointy and I keep batting people by accident.

Does anyone else love customising things?
☼Love Nina

OOTD: Southport Beach!

 I went to the beach! 

It has been been so beautiful in the UK this past week, I convinced my boyfriend to take me to Southport. 

I had been burnt the previous few days so wanted to cover up a bit more on this trip. 

It was so windy what with being by the sea so I apologise for the terrible photos and awkward posing!

Leopard print dress- Topshop

Bronze laser cut shoes- H&M

Backpack- Primark

I bought this maxi dress months ago ready for summer and its just been sat in my wardrobe! 

I'm so glad Ive got to wear it this week cos its just my favourite!

I wasn't too happy with my choice of shoe with this dress but they were the only ones I took with me. 

I do love these shoes but they aren't made for hours of walking in the baking sun.

My bag is from Primark and its just so practical. 

I heard some teenagers laughing at my bag once saying it looked like a school bag. 

I'm getting too old to care about what children think of me and my choice of luggage! 

I'm thinking of jazzing this bag up a bit with some gold spikes I have lying around so watch out for a post about that!

I wonder what everyone elses favourite summer outfit is?

☼Love Nina